MOOSE JAW — As the 2025 BKT World Men’s Curling Championship wrapped up in Moose Jaw, volunteers such as Allan Gall and Chad Hall played a crucial role in ensuring the event ran smoothly, both behind the scenes and in the arena.
Allan (Al) Gall, a long-time community volunteer and co-owner of the Prairie Drone Academy, took on multiple roles during the championship. From working in the Patch — the social space for fans —to assisting the camera crew by tidying cables in the arena, Gall’s dedication was evident.
“I enjoy helping out in the community,” Gall said. “I volunteer to help the Salvation Army during their Christmas Kettle Campaign and with the Civil Aviation Search and Rescue Association (CASARA), and I’m always looking for other ways to lend a hand.”
Gall also expressed his enjoyment in meeting fans from around the world. One of his personal highlights was an engaging conversation with Team Scotland.
“My father was born in Scotland, so it was great to chat with the team and hear their perspective,” Gall said.
Volunteering for the championship gave Moose Jaw residents a chance to be part of a major international event. Held from March 29 to April 6, the tournament featured 13 teams, including the host team from Canada, offering a preview of teams that might compete in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.
The event required hundreds of volunteers to ensure it ran smoothly. In exchange for a $100 registration fee and a commitment to volunteer at least 20 hours, volunteers received tournament gear, free access to games, and the satisfaction of contributing to a major event that will leave a lasting impact on the city.
For Chad Hall, a Moose Jaw resident and Mortlach area farmer who worked in a different capacity during the event, volunteering at the World Men’s Curling Championship was the perfect opportunity to give back to the community.
“I worked with the ice team, assisting with the maintenance of the ice surface and setting up for each game,” Hall explained.
His responsibilities included helping with ice preparation, such as laying down decals and ensuring the ice was in top condition during the 30- to 45-minute interval between each match.
“It was a great feeling to contribute, especially when it was something as important as maintaining the ice,” he said. “I’m loving it.”
Hall, who is no stranger to volunteering, noted the satisfaction of being part of the team that created an environment for athletes to excel.
“I’ve volunteered for the Scotties (here in Moose Jaw) before, and I did another job (at the time). I thought I’d try something different (this year), and I’m loving this part of it too,” he said. “I’m from a small town (Mortlach), and we all just pitch in and help out, volunteering for different things. I’m also involved with Kinsmen TeleMiracle,” he added.
For both Hall and Gall, volunteering was more than just another job — it was a chance to engage with the community, give back, and connect with people from around the globe.
“Without all of the wonderful volunteers, events like this wouldn’t happen,” Gall said, reflecting a sentiment shared by the men and women who work tirelessly to bring events such as this to life.
